First Arcade Opens

Lord George Cavendish, who lived in Burlington House (now the Royal Academy) commissioned his architect, Samuel Ware, to design a covered promenade of shops – unofficially to stop ruffians from throwing quantities of rubbish, in particular oyster shells, onto his property and officially “for the gratification of the public and to give employment to industrious females”.The Burlington Arcade consisted of a single straight top-lit walkway lined with seventy-two small two storey units.

Hello Madame

Originally, there were 47 leaseholders, six of whom were ‘industrious females’ but, in accordance with the rules of the day, even the male milliners and corsetières were addressed as ‘Madame’. Many of the tenants and their families lived under very cramped conditions above and below their shops, sharing the space with their stock.

A Royal Affair

James Drew at No. 3 was the first retailer to receive the Royal Warrant in the Arcade. He was responsible for Gladstone’s celebrated high collars specially made to the latter’s designs. Until the late 60s, he offered a stiff collar that was named specifically after Gladstone. Drew was also the instigator of the Piccadilly collar and the Horse Shoe knot-tie. His final claim to sartorial fame was to invent the soft collar.

Victoria Cross

During the Crimean war, Lord Panmure, Minister for War, requested designs from Hancocks – the highly respected jeweller – for a new award. Prototypes were submitted to Queen Victoria and in March 1856, Her Majesty finally approved on design: the Victoria Cross. The first presentation took place on 26th June 1857 when Queen Victoria decorated 62 soldiers and sailors. Since the inception of the unique awards, Hancocks have produced every one of the 1,350 VCs that have been issued.

Fred Astaire

Fred Astaire was the recipient of nine pairs of unique gold and striped slippers purchased in the Arcade by an admirer. Some time later the designer spotted Astaire checking the window displays in the Arcade and guessed what he was looking for. “I stood in the doorway and as he approached, I cast my eyes down to where the slippers were displayed.” Astaire roared with laughter and bought several more pairs.

London's Burning

March 1936 saw chaos in the Arcade when a fire broke out and both tenants and visitors caused havoc by panicking and looting occurred. More seriously, there was considerable architectural damage to the Piccadilly end during the war when the Arcade was struck by bombs: restoration work was required and completed in the 1950s.

A Speedy Getaway

Drama erupted in the Arcade in June 1964 when a spectacular robbery took place. A Jaguar Mark 10 charged down the Arcade at high speed – (the first and only four wheels ever to enter the Arcade) and six masked men, armed with axe handles and iron bars smashed the windows of the Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Association shop and stole jewellery valued at £35,000. They made their escape by reversing back up the Arcade and were never caught! The bollards at the Burlington Gardens entrance were subsequently introduced.

Ingrid Bergman

The film star, Ann Todd, telephoned Richard Ogden – old established jeweller in the Arcade – to ask if he would consider closing his shop for a brief visit by Ingrid Bergman who did not wish to attract any publicity. He immediately agreed and positioned one of his staff outside the door to deter any would-be customers. When an elderly lady approached he explained, as instructed, that the shop was temporarily closed but could not restrain himself from adding, “Have a look, can you see who is in there?” Peering through her pince-nez she said delightedly, “of course I can see, it is dear Mr. Ogden.”

Hollywood Calls

During the last decade, the Arcade has provided the location for major films such as “Patriot Games” (with Harrison Ford), “101 Dalmatians”, and “Scandal” (the Profumo affair)

Beadles

Sadly, today’s Beadles can no longer enjoy the luxury of resting in the armchairs originally positioned at either end of the Arcade and designated for their use.

Around and about

Named after the annual fortnight-long May Fair that took place on the site, the Mayfair area is full of history. Mayfair is close to many beautiful parks and historic squares, and the area's exclusive residents have attracted the world’s finest shops and the most exclusive businesses. Explore our charming local attractions and luxury partner hotels below.

The Attractions

Hyde Park Attraction

Hyde Park

One of the largest parks in Central London and one of the Royal Parks of London, famous for its Speakers' Corner.